Diagnostic Description
provided by FAO species catalogs
Dorsal fin with 6 spines and 10-11 branched rays; origin far behind pectoral fin base. Anal fin with 9-12 spines and 33-38 branched rays. Pelvic fin with a long filamentous ray and 2 to 3 small rays in the axil. Lateral line with 55-63 scales.
Vogt, D. & H. Wermuth. - 1966Acuarios y Terrarios. Manual práctico de vivariocultura. Editorial Omega, S. A. barcelona. 284 pp.
Distribution
provided by FAO species catalogs
Indonesian lakes (Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Singapore).
Size
provided by FAO species catalogs
Attains about 20 cm; common 12-15 cm.
Brief Summary
provided by FAO species catalogs
Lives in lakes, ponds and still sluggish waters.Generally feeds on aquatic plants.Can breathe air directly, as well as absorb oxygen from water through its gills.
Benefits
provided by FAO species catalogs
The total catch reported for this species to FAO for 1999 was 21 320 t. The countries with the largest catches were Indonesia (21 320 t). Caught with seines, set nets, cast nets, and traps. The flesh is of good quality; may be grilled or used for fish soup. In Thailand there is a trade of dried pla salid for the benefit of people in areas where it is not caught. Marketed fresh and cultured both for food and for export as aquarium fish.
